Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the Senate to suspend Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, over his controversial remarks ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Frank also urged security agencies to investigate and arrest the senator, arguing that statements capable of inciting electoral violence should not be tolerated.
Fadahunsi has faced criticism after a video circulated on social media in which he was allegedly heard directing supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party.
The senator later explained that his comment was metaphorical and meant that supporters should defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful and peaceful means.
The Osun State Police Command has since summoned Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo to clarify the circumstances surrounding the remarks.
In a statement on Wednesday, Frank described the senator’s comments as “unguarded” and dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.
“I condemn the comment of Senator Francis Fadahunsi strongly and call on the security agencies to immediately act, despite his position, to arrest the senator with all urgency,” Frank said.
‘Senate Must Take Action’
Frank said the Senate should not remain silent when a serving senator makes statements that could threaten peace and security during an election.
“The Senate must immediately suspend such a senator who can make such unguarded statements. We want to see action taken as an example to every person involved in election violence,” he said.
He further argued that the controversy extended beyond the Osun election, suggesting that it could be linked to what he described as a broader political strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.
Frank also questioned what he described as differences in the government’s response to controversial statements made by opposition figures and members of the ruling party.
He cited former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, arguing that a serving senator should not receive different treatment if accused of making remarks capable of threatening electoral peace.
“If such a statement had been made by an opposition senator or anybody in the opposition, the person would have been in prison by now,” he said.
Frank also called on the international community to closely monitor developments ahead of the August 15 election.
He urged Osun voters not to be intimidated by political threats and encouraged them to participate in the election and protect their votes.
“Osun election must not be rigged. The will of the people must count in Osun,” Frank said.
